I’m Diagnosed With Mesothelioma. Should I Get a Second Opinion?
It’s difficult to hear you have mesothelioma, and it may take a while to sink in. After the shock wears off, you must decide on your medical treatment. If you’re dealing with a life-changing diagnosis, getting a second opinion from an oncologist specializing in mesothelioma may be time well spent.
What is a Second Opinion?
It’s the opinion of a physician other than your current one, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The NCI is the federal government’s principal cancer research and training agency. It’s part of the National Institutes of Health, one of 11 Department of Health and Human Services agencies.
This second doctor will review your medical records, may physically examine you, and suggest you should get additional tests, x-rays, or CT scans. The second doctor gives their opinion on your condition, how it should be treated, and answers your questions. They may confirm what you’ve been told, question the first doctor’s diagnosis, or present a different treatment plan with other options.
Why Should I Get a Second Opinion?
The American Cancer Society (ACS) states reasons to get a second opinion include:
- You want to explore all your options
- You may think your oncologist underestimates your situation
- Your oncologist is unsure you have mesothelioma
- Mesothelioma is a rare and unusual cancer that your oncologist lacks experience treating
- You believe other treatment options might be available
- Your oncologist is uncertain about the type or stage of mesothelioma you have
- They give you limited treatment options
- You have difficulty understanding and communicating with your oncologist, or you want someone else to explain your options
- You want to be sure you’re correctly diagnosed and you’re not missing any treatment approaches
- Your insurance company asks you for a second opinion before treatment starts
There’s nothing wrong with getting a second opinion. It doesn’t make your physician look bad, and you may greatly benefit from another doctor looking at your situation.
Do I Have Enough Time for a Second Opinion?
Mesothelioma specialists are very busy, and it may take some time before you can get an appointment. Depending on your disease’s status, starting treatment soon may be necessary. Usually, patients have some time before treatment must begin, so this shouldn’t be a problem. If it is, discuss this with your oncologist.
Who Should I See for a Second Opinion?
Ask your oncologist who they would see if they were in your situation. Oncologists get to know who in their area treats which cancers and their reputation, so they should answer your question.
If they can’t suggest anyone, you should consider seeing a mesothelioma specialist at the nearest NCI-designated cancer center. The one in Kentucky is the Markey Cancer Center at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.
An NCI-designated cancer center gets the agency’s highest recognition for innovative research and leading-edge treatments. There are 72 such centers in the US.
How Does the Process Work?
Contact your insurance carrier to learn what your policy covers. They may only pay for physicians in their network, they may pay this specialist their standard rate, and you may need to pay what’s left, or this physician will lower their rate and accept the in-network payment rate.
This specialist needs a copy of your medical chart, including any X-rays or scans you received. They may ask for a pathology specimen for a pathologist to confirm the diagnosis. You should ensure they receive the necessary material with enough time for them to review it before they talk to you.
What Should I Do When I Talk to the Specialist?
You’re probably stressed out, so you’re not in great shape to process what you’re being told or the implications. Before you go, write a list of questions and concerns and bring it when you talk to the doctor.
Bring a friend or family member who will take notes and ensure the specialist covers what’s on the list. Afterward, discuss the meeting with your companion to ensure you understand what you’ve been told.
What Should I Do After Getting a Second Opinion?
That depends on what you were told and if there are any questions or issues that need to be resolved. You should discuss the meeting with your oncologist and get their feedback. They should get a report from the specialist you saw.
If that specialist tells you there’s a misdiagnosis and you don’t have mesothelioma, you’ll need a correct diagnosis and a treatment plan for what you have. If the diagnosis is correct and:
- Your oncologist gave you appropriate options, you should move forward and decide what care you should get
- You’re given different options than what your oncologist told you. You must decide which one to choose. If your choice is something your oncologist didn’t discuss, you need to find out if they can provide the treatment and, if not, where you can get it
In rare situations, a third opinion may be appropriate. Ideally, whatever you’re told, it’ll put you on a path toward the best mesothelioma treatment possible.
Are you or a loved one seeking more information about mesothelioma and your legal options? Call (855) 385-9532 to learn more.